What is the National Planning Framework?

The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a long term plan for Scotland that sets out where development and infrastructure is needed to support sustainable and inclusive growth.

Background

The current National Planning Framework (NPF3) was published in 2014 and will remain in place until a fourth NPF (NPF4) is adopted by Scottish Ministers.

We have begun the process of reviewing NPF3 and will aim to lay a draft NPF4 in the Scottish Parliament in September 2020. NPF4 will incorporate Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) which contains detailed national policy on a number of planning topics. For the first time, spatial and thematic planning policies will be addressed in one place.

NPF4 will have the status of the development plan for planning purposes. This is a change to the current position and will mean that its policies will have a stronger role in informing day to day decision making.

We expect NPF4 to look very different from NPF3, with a longer time horizon to 2050, fuller regional coverage and improved alignment with wider programmes and strategies, including on infrastructure and economic investment. NPF4 will also take into account regional spatial strategies which will be prepared by local authorities.

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Process for developing

Through the period January to March 2020 we will be seeking early views on NPF4 both in terms of the spatial strategy for Scotland and on the more detailed policies on specific topics, currently in the SPP.  We then aim to lay a draft in the Scottish Parliament in September 2020.  Formal public consultation will run alongside Parliament’s consideration.

Thereafter, we will consider all responses, amend the draft and lay a final version in Parliament.  We hope the final version will be laid in 2021.  NPF4 will be approved by Parliament before it can be adopted by Scottish Ministers. 

This website provides information on the development of NPF4. NPF3 and SPP remain as current policy until final approval of NPF4.

NPF4 will also address the following high level outcomes:

• Meeting the housing needs of people living in Scotland including, in particular, the housing needs for older people and disabled people
• Improving the health and well-being of people living in Scotland
• Increasing the population of rural areas of Scotland
• Improving equality and eliminating discrimination
• Meeting any targets relating to the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases
• Securing positive effects for biodiversity